Bulgaria’s export goods require monitoring of local requirements, obtaining the right permits and cooperating with freight services. Here’s a complete guide:
Learn about exporting and the documentation requirements
Export registration: All Bulgarian businesses required to export must register with the Bulgarian Customs Agency. EORI numbers are also needed for customs activities in the EU by non-EU companies.
Require documentation
They include the following
Commercial Invoice: Goods, quantity, price and terms of sale.
Packing list: Package details and weights are specified.
Certificate of origin: This certifies that the product is from where it says on the label, which is often required by the country it will end up in.
Export License: For goods as restricted as military items, pharmaceuticals and goods on a dual-use list.
Customs Declaration (SAD): It is a Single Administrative Document (SAD) for customs clearance.
Find duties and taxes
EU Membership: Since Bulgaria is a member of the EU, exporting goods to other EU countries is free of duty. However, depending on the destination country, export duties, VAT, and other tariffs will apply.
VAT Refund: VAT can be reclaimed on exports outside the EU. Businesses should keep records of VAT payments for refunds.
Regulations on a product-specific basis
Look for product-specific regulations. The additional certifications, inspections or international quality standards that pharmaceuticals, food products and cosmetics will need to meet are one example.
Use trade agreements
EU Trade Agreements: EU trade agreements with numerous non-EU countries benefit Bulgaria. They can even eliminate or reduce tariffs and thereby make Bulgarian exports more competitive. Find out if your goods qualify for qualifying rates under any applicable agreement.
Shipping and logistics services are an important part
Freight Forwarders: There are many Bulgarian freight forwarders with EU and global logistics specializing in sea, air and road full and partial load.
Incoterms: Define the terms used to describe shipping: such as FOB, CIF, and DDP with your buyer so that you know who is responsible for payment and shipping, in-country duty, and insurance.
Warehousing and distribution: There is the possibility of warehousing solutions in destination countries for high-volume or high-frequency export.
Customs clearance process
Customs documentation: Make sure that documents are in order before you ship, incomplete or inaccurate documents can slow the shipment down. Bulgarian customs clearance usually is very streamlined, but be sure that all details are exactly the same as on the customs declaration.
Inspection requirements: For exports outside the EU, goods may be subject to inspection at customs. Clearance is expedited by proper packaging and labelling.
Payment terms
Payment methods: When buying from new or international buyers, secure payment options include letters of credit, bank guarantees or documentary collections.
Export Insurance: Specifically, export insurance can protect against non-payment risks and buyer default, which is especially important for high-value shipments for example or entering new markets. Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency (BSMEPA):
Here, Bulgarian companies that are interested in foreign markets are supported with money and funds.
EU Export Helpdesk: It provides some guidance on regulations and export requirements within the EU and to particular markets outside the EU.
Export market research
Market research and adaptation: How the product needs to be adapted to fit the research destination market requirements (e.g. labelling, packaging, product specifications). We adjust our marketing and branding strategies to the local customer preferences.
Continuous compliance & reporting
Tax and financial reporting: Remember to make good entries of all transactions and VAT paying and for refunds and reporting.
Periodic compliance checks: Make sure you know what changes are taking place in both Bulgarian and international export laws.
Key resources
Bulgarian customs agency: Provides customs, tax and duty information as a primary resource.
Bulgarian, Ministry of Economy and Industry: It offers export assistance, trade missions and other support.
EU Market Access Database: For information about non-EU market regulations and trade agreements.
If you follow these steps and keep yourself updated on the market-specific regulations, then managing export operations from Bulgaria becomes easy.
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